POPs and Waste Classification

POPs are substances that can persist in the environment, accumulate in living organisms, pose risks to human health and the environment, and travel long distances through the environment.

For waste operators, this means that identifying the waste stream is not always the end of the assessment. Where POPs may be present, their presence and concentration can affect how the waste is classified, managed and recorded.

This is particularly relevant to certain waste streams, including some electrical and electronic equipment and upholstered domestic seating, where specific POPs guidance exists. GOV.UK provides separate guidance on identifying and classifying waste containing POPs, as well as guidance on managing POPs-containing waste.

For me, this was another reminder that waste classification is not simply about selecting an EWC code. The surrounding information matters too: what the material is, what it contains, whether hazardous properties may apply, and whether additional controls or evidence are relevant.

The takeaway: POPs can introduce another layer of assessment that needs to be considered alongside the wider waste classification process.

Official sources and further reading

GOV.UK: Persistent organic pollutants (POPs)

GOV.UK: Identify and classify waste containing POPs

GOV.UK: Manage waste containing POPs

GOV.UK: Using persistent organic pollutants (POPs)

GOV.UK: Classify different types of waste — your legal responsibilities

GOV.UK: Waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) — how to classify

GOV.UK: Digital waste tracking — check if you need to report the waste you receive